Precision Metal Fitting Technician: Job Description

Read about the training requirements and skill sets for precision metal fitting technicians. Find information about earnings potential, as well as alternate career options for students who are considering a career as a precision metal fitting technician.

The job of a precision metal fitting technician is a highly skilled one where practitioners assemble complex parts or whole items and check the alignment, making fitting adjustments as needed. Precision metal fitting technicians work from blueprints or other printed plans. They are often found in manufacturing industries.

Required Education :

A high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) equivalent is required before an aspiring precision metal fitting technician can apply for apprenticeship programs or entry-level positions. Some technicians may obtain certificates or associate's degrees through local community colleges or vocational schools. On-the-job training is common; additional training may be required for career advancement.

Skills Required :

Precision metal fitting technicians are accurate, fast and detail-oriented workers who know how to read blueprints. Good vision is key, as well as the physical stamina necessary to work under factory conditions.

Earnings Outlook :

Wages for precision metal fitting technicians can vary widely based on skills, experience and region, as well as the scope and nature of the work. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for assemblers and fabricators, including precision metal fitting technicians, was $30,080 in May 2015 (www.bls.gov). From 2014-2024, the BLS projected a 1% decrease in employment opportunities for these workers.

Alternate Career Options

Here are a few other ideas for careers in metal fitting:

Machinists and Tool and Die Makers

Machinists use grinders, lathes and milling machines to craft precision components from metal. Their work is similar to that of tool and die makers who make cutting and shaping tools or metal forms. Hiring requirements include a high school diploma or its equivalent; secondary school students may benefit from courses in blueprint reading, drafting, math and metalworking. Certification programs can be found through colleges and state apprenticeship boards.

The BLS reports that machinists earned a median annual wage of $40,550 in May 2015. Tool and die makes earned median salaries of $50,290 during the same month. Opportunities for employment for machinists are projected to grow by 10%, while job openings for tool and die makers will shrink by 13% between 2014 and 2024 (www.bls.gov).

Medical Appliance Technicians

Medical appliance technicians make, fit and fix arch supports, braces, orthotics and prosthetics and other support appliances and devices. According to the Occupational Information Network (ONET), future technicians usually train on the job or pursue an associate degree at a vocational school; a little more than a fourth of technicians had completed some college in 2016. Nationwide, employment prospects are projected to grow faster than average through 2024. As of May 2015, medical appliance technicians were paid a median annual salary of $34,890 (www.onetonline.org).

Other details

Department: Testing Quality (QA-QC) Industry: Oil & Gas / Petroleum Skills: training statistics milling read die craft who ideas devices general career cutting can appliances tools lathes Other Skills: precision metal fitting technician

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